The Great penguins (scientific name: Aptenodytes) are a genus of two penguin species within the penguin family of seventeen species - Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) and King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus).

Like all penguins, Great penguins are characterized by their erect posture, stiff wings, excellent swimming ability, awkward movement out of water, and coloring.The black backs and white fronts, make all penguins difficult to see when swimming, blending against the sea from above and the sky from below.

The Great penguins are notable in several ways:

They are the largest penguins

Long slender bills

Distinct dark yellow coloring on parts of the upper body

Can dive longer and deeper than other penguins

Build no nest, but balance the egg on their feet

Circumpolar distribution: the King Penguin in the sub-Antarctic, restricted to islands; the Emperor penguin in the high Antarctic.

The conservation status of both species is Least Concern .

The Great penguins (scientific name: Aptenodytes) are a genus of two penguin species within the penguin family of seventeen species - Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) and King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus).